October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and one organization, Freedom and Fashion, is hoping to help survivors feel uplifted and empowered during the pandemic.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), Nevada ranked third in the nation for domestic violence fatalities in 2014 and consistently ranked No. 1 for years.

“Trafficking is pretty significant out there,” says Laverne Delgado, executive director of Freedom and Fashion, an LA-based organization that assists girls and women in overcoming sex trafficking, domestic violence and more. “Vegas is a hub for a lot of exploitation, and domestic violence is on the rise as well.”

Through beauty, fashion and education, Freedom and Fashion teaches at-risk women marketable skills that not only empower, but also translate into the workforce.

“Typically, outside of a pandemic, we provide resources and programming,” Delgado says. “The curriculum uses fashion and beauty to educate survivors.” Now, with COVID-19 limiting the organization’s reach, Delgado says Freedom and Fashion has pivoted to a more awareness and resource-driven model.

As such, the organization has made care packages to administer to shelters in need, each one filled with items like feminine hygiene products, body wash, toothpaste, shampoo, skin care and makeup—things that can often remind people of their dignity and humanity.

This week, Delgado will be in Las Vegas with Freedom and Fashion to drop off care packages to women and girls at the Shade Tree, S.A.F.E. House, Refuge for Women, the Hoving Home and more.

“They’re really receiving top-of-the-line products,” Delgado says. “We love giving them good stuff because it reflects their value [and who] they are.”

For more information on Freedom and Fashion or to volunteer, visit freedomandfashion.org.